Second Serve Tennis
Second Serve Podcast is the only tennis podcast created exclusively for adult recreational players by everyday tennis players. We are passionate about the game and our episodes are geared towards adults playing a sport in the later years of life (hence, the name “Second Serve”). This podcast discusses everything related to rec tennis. Topics include the following: advice for beginners; funny and crazy situations that happen on the court; the rules of adult tennis; and how it feels being an adult and getting your feelings hurt when you are not played in an important match. We know how it feels!
Episodes
333 episodes
Court Conditions - Rejecting the Court
Tennis court conditions can quietly shape every rally, and league players often don’t know the rules until something weird happens. We talk through real USTA league scenarios where a flapping windscreen, a slippery patch, or poor visibility tur...
10 Rules for Rec Players
Have you ever been on the court and didn't know the rule? We have 10 rules we wished we would have known when we started playing USTA matches.We are replaying a few of our most popular episodes and this was one of them!In this ep...
7 Tips to Win More Matches from a National Champion (Part 2)
This is part 2 of our episode Kenny, who is the 4.0 18 plus singles National Champion! Most tennis players look for a magic swing tip, but the real edge often comes from preparation, emotional control, and what you do between points...
7 Tips to Win More Matches from a National Champion
He Won A National Singles Title AND A Cheese-Rolling Championship. Kenny breaks down how goal setting, routines, and pressure practice translate into more wins. If you would like to watch Kenny winning the cheese rolling competition...
Stop Racing To Lose
A 0-6 first set can make you want to disappear, speed up, and get it over with. We’ve all been there, and that urge is exactly what keeps the other team rolling. Carolyn and Erin sit down with Kana to talk about how to recover mentally and tact...
Pro Tour Tennis in North Carolina
Come check out the Cary Tennis Classic on June 28-July 5, 2026! To receive updates about the Cary Tennis Classic please sign up for the newsletter:
What To Do After A Bagel Set
A 6-0 set can mess with your head no matter which side of it you’re on. If you just steamrolled a set, you start thinking, “This can’t last,” and you tighten up trying to protect the lead. If you just got bageled, you can feel stuck with zero c...
Tiebreak Strategy
Ever wondered how to master those nerve-wracking tiebreakers in tennis? Join us as we welcome Karen Rembert, a teaching pro with over 30 years of coaching experience.Karen was a National USTA Finalist in 45 Doubles, a two-time NC State ...
3.5 to 5.0 in 3 Years - Winning Singles Strategy
Gin reveals her singles strategy that helped her climb from 3.5 to 5.0 in three years with an impressive 72-4 USTA singles record! Let us know if Gin's strategy works for you or if you have ever had a golden set or golden match!&nb...
A Journey From 3.5 to 5.0 in Three Years (Part Two)
What does it take to rise quickly in the ranks? Join us as we sit down with Gin, a remarkable tennis player who skyrocketed from a 3.5 to a 5.0 player in just three years.Her journey isn't just about the climb but also the hurdles she f...
A Journey From 3.5 to 5.0 in Three Years
Join us as we dive into Gin's remarkable journey from a 3.5 self-rated player to an NTRP 5.0 in just three years!After a 25-year break from touching a racquet, Gin, a former multi-sport athlete, signed up for a tennis clinic after watch...
Tennis Can Change Your Life
Tennis gives friendships, health, and second chapters. Hear Michele Krause's most memorable moments. Listen today. What has tennis given you?Tennis doesn’t have to feel exclusive or overly serious to be a real workout. In our episode (
Why Being A Tennis Captain Is Hard (Part 2)
Captains, courts, and chaotic schedules! 🎾 If you've ever played on a tennis team, this episode on the challenges of captaining is a must-listen. What’s your biggest pet peeve as a captain?With more than a decade of experience captainin...
Why Being A Tennis Captain Is Hard
Why is being the captain difficult? If you are a new captain this episode is for you!Both Erin and Aileen have captained multiple teams for more than a decade! Erin made a list of why being the captain is so hard or why it sucks and Ail...
Why Red, Orange, And Green Balls Help Rec Players
Want a simple way to level up your game fast? The tennis ball you choose can change how your body feels, how fast you learn, and whether practice builds confidence or fear. We sit down with coach Michele Krause to make a clear case for red, ora...
Beat Better Players
What do you do if your opponents are only hitting to the lower rated player? What are some tactics for playing against higher level players? Francie Barragan is here to give advice for playing combo or across different levels!We are rep...
Advice for Combo or Playing Across Levels
Do you ever have trouble playing people that hit with less pace? Why is it so difficult to play against lower rated players? Francie Barragan is here to give advice for playing combo or across different levels!We are replaying a few of ...
National Hit to be Fit Weekend
Tennis doesn’t have to feel exclusive or overly serious to be a real workout. We’re joined by Michele Krause to share the vision behind National Hit To Be Fit Weekend (May 15 to 17), a nationwide celebration that pairs National Tennis Month wit...
Tennis Manners
Ever wondered why a simple game of tennis can sometimes feel like navigating a social maze? Have you ever thought your opponent didn't have very good tennis manners? Tennis, and especially adult recreational tennis, is a little str...
USTA League Urban Legends
Jenifer Tucker returns to discuss tennis urban legends for USTA Leagues. We tackle misconceptions about lineup requirements, self-rate disqualifications, and the mysterious NTRP algorithm that determines your tennis rating.You can learn ...
Understanding USTA Self-Rating And DQs
Ever wondered how self-rating works in USTA tennis? 🎾 We were thrilled to speak to Jenifer Tucker about self rates. Jenifer is Vice President of the USTA Southern Board of Directors. She also currently serves on the UST...
First or Second Serve?
Tired of awkward standoffs after a stray ball? Gin joins Carolyn and Erin to unpack the rule, the gray areas, and why “second serve only” might be best. Listen now—where do you stand?If you would like to hear more about Gin's remarkable ...
Annoying Situations On The Court (Part 2)
If your opponent hits winners during warm up, does it bother you? What if your opponent throws or breaks their racquet? We are replaying a few of our most popular episodes and this was one of them!Dave and Tom are back to d...